Dodgers and Chase Utley Super Hopeful They’re In Sync on New Deal

Today is a Sunday just like any given Sunday for the Dodgers. It is a super day, that is certain, but really nothing to get bowled over by.

This I Promise You, one former and perhaps future Dodgers infielder will be soaring today. Chase Utley has every right to be excited for the city where he shed blood, sweat, and tears as a member of the Phillies. Just the thought of him giving his speech at the parade for Philadelphia’s World Series victory in 2008 is Tearin’ Up My Heart.

Chase Utley is a veteran leader that could again bring his winning ways to the Dodgers’ young team. If Utley’s willing to play another year, all Farhan Zaidi would need to say to him is: I Want You Back. And then give him millions of dollars. The ripple effect his signing would have on this team, though, is invaluable.

Most folks expect the Dodgers to say Bye Bye Bye to Matt Kemp and have pointed to his clubhouse issues as incentive to do so. Additionally, even in great physical condition, Kemp is a weak defender. At the very least, the bat still has some Pop. However, with Utley there motivating him we could see a different Kemp.

As a matter of fact, the process of building a better Matt Kemp has already begun. This is not the Celebrity version of Kemp that once had a famous Girlfriend. No, this is a mature player dedicated to getting into a position to help his team succeed, be it in LA or somewhere else.

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Someone’s gotta say it and It’s Gonna Be Me. The stagnancy in this winter’s free agent market has become a real bummer. With all the talk lately being about luxury tax thresholds and budgetary maneuvers, I feel like I Drive Myself Crazy brainstorming ways that the Dodgers might improve their squad. There’s no sense in getting too caught up in the whirlwind because the Dodgers seem to have every intention of bringing back Utley for another year.

I’ll be honest though, when free agency began at the conclusion of last season’s World Series run, I was sad that Chase was Gone. His clubhouse swagger has been well documented. To see the level of Class that emanates from Seager alone makes you think this: Corey, Chase Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You.

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To bring Chase Utley back to Los Angeles for one more year is clearly worth the investment. His demands  should be reasonable – maybe less than $2 million. Whatever the cost, it’s a must that the Dodgers re-sign Utley for another go-round, No Strings Attached.